Aleksander Berentsen

Prof. Dr. Aleksander Berentsen is a Professor of Economics at the University of Basel’s Faculty of Business and Economics, specializing in Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and nonconventional monetary policy. His research addresses topics like Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), negative interest rates, and financial innovation. He has held visiting positions at top institutions including UC Berkeley and the University of Pennsylvania, and is a research fellow at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Berentsen co-authored the influential book Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Cryptoassets: A Comprehensive Introduction (MIT Press, 2020), and has published extensively in journals like the American Economic Review and the Review of Economic Studies.

Education: Studied at the Universities of Basel, Bern, and the London School of Economics. Key roles include advisory positions for the Swiss National Bank, ECB, and Bank for International Settlements. His work bridges theoretical economics with practical policy, particularly in digital finance and monetary systems.

Research Interests: Blockchain technology, CBDC design, cryptocurrency stability, monetary policy tools (e.g., negative interest rates), and financial inclusion. He explores how decentralized systems can reshape traditional financial frameworks, with a focus on liquidity, stability, and regulatory challenges.

Publications highlight his contributions to understanding cryptoasset dynamics, CBDC frameworks, and the societal implications of digital currencies. His 2020 book is widely praised as a foundational text for both academics and practitioners. Current projects include zero-knowledge proofs in blockchains and CBDC remuneration strategies.

Labs/Teams: Co-founded the Center for Innovative Finance at the University of Basel to advance interdisciplinary research in fintech and digital currencies.